If there is one recipe that shouts comfort and hospitality, it is Classic Southern Breakfast Sausage Balls. They are a staple at holiday gatherings, game day parties, and brunches across the South. What’s not to love about them? You get savory sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and a fluffy biscuit mix all rolled into one delicious bite.
Honestly, this is one of the simplest recipes you will ever make. With just three ingredients and a few easy steps, you can whip up a batch that will have everyone coming back for more. It is a fantastic recipe for beginners in the kitchen or anyone looking for a quick and satisfying treat. Let’s get started on these amazing bites!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the simplicity is a huge win. You only need three basic ingredients that you can easily find at any grocery store. There are no complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed. It is a true mix, roll, and bake recipe that anyone can handle.
The flavor is just out of this world. The combination of seasoned sausage and sharp cheddar cheese creates a rich and savory taste that is completely satisfying. These little bites are packed with so much flavor, making them one of the Best Sausage Balls Ever.
Another great thing is their versatility. You can serve these Breakfast Sausage Balls for a weekend breakfast, as an appetizer for a party, or even as a simple snack. They are fantastic warm right out of the oven, but they are also tasty at room temperature.
This recipe is also incredibly make ahead friendly. You can prepare a large batch, freeze them, and then bake them whenever you need a quick snack or appetizer. This is a lifesaver when you are planning for a party or a busy holiday morning. It takes all the stress out of hosting.
Finally, they are a guaranteed crowd pleaser. I have never taken a platter of these Southern Sausage Balls to a get together and come home with leftovers. Kids and adults both love them. They disappear so fast, you might want to make a double batch just in case!
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to make these wonderful little treats. It is a short list, which is part of the magic!
- 3 cups all purpose biscuit or pancake mix
- 1 lb. ground seasoned sausage, uncooked
- 1 lb. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
A quick note on the ingredients. For the sausage, you can use ground beef, chicken, or turkey sausage. Just make sure it is seasoned to give the recipe its classic flavor. If you use unseasoned meat, you will want to add your own spices like salt, pepper, and maybe a little sage.
When it comes to the cheese, always check that the rennet used is microbial or non animal derived if that is a dietary concern for you. Freshly shredded cheese melts much better than the pre shredded kind, which often has anti caking agents.
For the baking mix, double check the label to ensure it does not contain any restricted animal fats if you are following specific dietary guidelines. A standard, popular brand of all purpose baking mix works wonderfully here.
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to see how easy it is to make Classic Southern Breakfast Sausage Balls? Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time.
Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Sheets
First things first, let’s get your oven ready. Preheat it to 400 degrees F. This temperature is ideal for getting the sausage balls cooked through while making them beautifully golden brown on the outside. Grab two baking sheets and give them a light coating of cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine The Ingredients
Now for the fun part. In a large bowl, combine your biscuit mix, the uncooked ground sausage, and the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. It is important to use a big bowl to give yourself plenty of room to work. This part can get a little messy, so roll up your sleeves!
The best tool for this job is your hands. Get in there and press the mixture together. You want to make sure everything is thoroughly blended. Keep mixing until the sausage and cheese are evenly distributed throughout the baking mix. It will form a fairly stiff dough like consistency.
Step 3: Make The Sausage Balls
Once your mixture is ready, it is time to shape the sausage balls. Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls that are about three quarters of an inch in diameter. Try to keep them uniform in size so they bake evenly. You should get several dozen from this recipe.
Place the formed balls on the lightly greased baking sheets you prepared earlier. You can place them fairly close together, as they do not spread much while baking. Just leave a little space between them for air to circulate.
Step 4: Bake The Sausage Balls
Pop the baking sheets into your preheated oven. Let them bake for about 15 to 18 minutes. You will know they are done when they are a lovely light brown color and cooked all the way through. The cheese will be melted and the aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely amazing!
Once baked, you can remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes on the pan before transferring them to a serving platter. They are best served warm. Enjoy your delicious homemade Breakfast Sausage Balls!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, which is rare, storing them is simple. First, make sure the Southern Sausage Balls have cooled down completely to room temperature. This is important to prevent condensation from making them soggy.
Place the cooled sausage balls in an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you are ready to eat them again, you can enjoy them cold or reheat them. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350 degree F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until warmed through. An air fryer also works great for this!
Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make sure you get the Best Sausage Balls Ever. Small tricks can make a big difference!
Do not overmix the ingredients. Mix them just until everything is combined. Overworking the mixture can result in tough or dense sausage balls. The goal is a tender, flavorful bite.
For the best flavor and texture, grate your own cheese. Pre shredded cheese often contains powders to prevent clumping, which can affect how well it melts and incorporates into the mixture. A block of sharp cheddar grated at home is the way to go.
If your mixture seems too dry or crumbly, let it sit for about 15 minutes. This allows the baking mix to absorb some of the moisture from the sausage and cheese, making it easier to shape into balls. You could also add a tablespoon of milk if needed, but usually patience works.
Feel free to add some extra spices for more flavor. A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick. Some garlic powder or onion powder can also enhance the savory notes of the sausage. Experiment to find your favorite combination.
For easy portioning, use a small cookie scoop to form the balls. This helps keep them all a consistent size, which ensures they bake evenly. Plus, it is much less messy than using your hands for the whole process.
Conclusion
There you have it! A simple, delicious, and timeless recipe for Classic Southern Breakfast Sausage Balls. They are the perfect addition to any meal or celebration, bringing a taste of Southern comfort to your table. They are easy to make, hard to resist, and loved by everyone.
So next time you need a go to appetizer or a special breakfast treat, give this recipe a try. I am sure it will become a favorite in your home, just as it is in mine. Happy baking, and enjoy every single cheesy, savory bite!
FAQ
Can I Prepare These Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! You can mix and roll the sausage balls, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you are ready to bake, you can bake them from frozen, just add about 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time.
What Kind Of Sausage Is Best?
A seasoned pork sausage is the traditional choice and gives the most classic flavor. However, you can use hot sausage for a spicy kick, or even turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option. Just make sure whatever you choose is well seasoned for the best results.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheese?
Sharp cheddar is the classic choice for its strong flavor that stands up to the sausage. But you can definitely experiment! Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a pepper jack cheese for some heat would be delicious alternatives. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite blend.
My Mixture Is Too Dry, What Should I Do?
This can sometimes happen depending on the fat content of your sausage or the brand of baking mix. The best first step is to let the mixture rest for about 15 minutes. If it is still too crumbly, you can add a tablespoon of milk or even a dollop of cream cheese to help bind everything together. Add liquid slowly so it does not become too sticky.
Classic Southern Sausage Balls
A comforting Southern staple, these savory sausage balls combine seasoned sausage, sharp cheddar cheese, and biscuit mix for a delicious, bite-sized treat. They are simple to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a party appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease two baking sheets or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the biscuit mix, uncooked ground sausage, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Using your hands, mix and press the ingredients together until thoroughly combined and a stiff dough forms.
- Roll the mixture into uniform balls, about 3/4-inch in diameter.
- Place the sausage balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a small amount of space between each one.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Serve warm.
Notes
For the best texture, grate your own cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded.
Do not overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough sausage balls. Mix just until combined.
Use a small cookie scoop for uniform sizing, which helps them bake evenly.
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